This avant-garde skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, known as Epicon, challenges the laws of gravity with its intricately designed features and gleaming cantilevered structures, setting new benchmarks for innovation in engineering and construction.
Overlooking the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia, the newly unveiled futuristic skyscraper adorned with shining steel wings is located in Neom. The megaproject, Epicon, stands out as the most prominent in the Arabian kingdom, with an estimated value exceeding $500 billion. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a plan to attract global tourists, Epicon is envisioned as a luxury hotel complex that will allocate 95% of its space to a unique nature reserve. It is the latest addition to a series of architectural projects in the Middle East that appear straight out of a science fiction film.
Marketted as a ‘sanctuary to escape the stresses of daily life,’ Epicon is a sparkling mirage amidst the desert, its towering structures emerging majestically on the horizon. The steel constructions, with their seemingly impossible lines that defy the laws of engineering (and gravity), contribute to the surreal dimension of this futuristic skyscraper.
Where is Epicon located in Saudi Arabia?
Epicon is the latest project unveiled in Neom, the luxurious and ultra-futuristic destination on the Gulf of Aqaba, northwest of Saudi Arabia. Designed to enhance the kingdom’s profile as a global tourist destination, Neom also hosts The Line, an ambitious smart city project, along with a plethora of hotels and venues envisioned by top names in architecture.
Who designed Epicon in Neom?
At first glance, one might assume that this avant-garde skyscraper was conceived by artificial intelligence. However, its plans are the work of the international architectural firm, 10Design. The project was crafted from two sculpted towers, one standing at 225 meters and the other at 275 meters, both adorned with mirrors, reminiscent of The Line.
What will this futuristic skyscraper house?
Epicon is expected to house a boutique hotel with only 41 rooms and luxury residences, including 14 suites and apartments. The steel-clad skyscrapers will be interconnected by imposing steel structures that will house outdoor pools and other facilities, such as a state-of-the-art gym, a library, workspaces, relaxation areas, restaurants, and lounges.
What is the Epicon Resort?
Situated near the futuristic construction, the Epicon Resort adopts the sharp style of the towers but on a horizontal plane. The structure will consist of 120 rooms and 45 beachfront residential villas.
What can be found around Epicon?
Impressive as it may be, this design feat only covers one of the ten regions planned by Neom. Thus far, six projects have been announced in six different regions, including Leyja (featuring upscale boutique hotels designed by prestigious architects like Chris van Duijn, Mario Cucinella, and the Dubai-based Shaun Killa, responsible for the Museum of the Future). Also notable are Oxagon, an octagonal port city, and a seaside resort named Sindalah.